Photo By Gunnery Sgt. Jonathan Wright | Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general of Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic, Marine...... read more read more
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MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- It has once been said that “The best example of leadership is leadership by example.” The definition of leadership is not found within these words, but rather the essence of what it means to be a leader; lead not by command alone, but also with one’s own actions.
In the few short weeks following his appointment as commanding general of Marine Corps Installations East, it is said that Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Gorry perfectly embodies leading from the front and genuinely caring about the Marines under his charge. This and much more was also said of Gorry during his frocking ceremony at the Paradise Point Officers’ Club aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Aug. 2.
“If you look at his biography, he has one of the most balanced careers there is for a general officer,” said Lt. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlik, commanding general of Fleet Marine Forces Atlantic, Marine Corps Bases Atlantic and United States Marine Corps Forces Command. “When you look at his fine blend of academic and command education, he is well prepared for the position he has entered into. He’ll take MCIEAST to the next level along with all the Marines and their families under him.”
Gorry holds four college degrees with a distinguished Marine Corps career that began in 1985 as a ground supply officer with Brigade Service Support Group 1, 1st Marine Expeditionary Brigade. Gorry comes into his position following his previous assignment as the director of the Command and Staff College, Marine Corps University.
Among the various distinguishing aspects of his career, one notable feature is how Gorry was a general’s aide twice, once for the commanding general of Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C, and again for the commanding general of III Marine Expeditionary Force. Both of those general officers, now retired, attended Gorry’s frocking and pinned his stars on his collar.
“If I did anything good in my life following (Gorry’s) appointment as my aide, it was because of him,” said retired Lt. Gen. Earl B. Hailston, past commanding general of III MEF. “The kind of Marine he was and the impact he has on those around him made me a better Marine myself. The Marine Corps is the winner by appointing (Gorry) to this position – they got the best end of the deal.”
A Marine who has a deep caring and appreciation for those service members under his command, from the newest private to the most senior colonel – something that was told both in words and by emotion of the ceremony. A man who is said to wear his emotions on his sleeve, Gorry was visually awash with the impact of his appointment and the opportunity it gives him to serve not only the tens of thousands of service members aboard MCB Camp Lejeune, but also aboard a dozen of other installations that fall under MCIEAST.
“There are a lot of emotions going through me right now, but the strongest is honor, the honor to continue my service to the Marine Corps,” said Gorry. “I am fully committed to support all the tenant commands aboard this base and their Marines.”
Walking out of the officers’ club as a newly-appointed brigadier general, Gorry prepares to take charge of half of the U.S.-based Marine Corps installations and build upon the improvements left in his care.
| Date Taken: | 08.02.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 08.10.2011 12:49 |
| Story ID: | 75119 |
| Location: | CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 922 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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